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Creamy Elote Recipe: Easy Mexican Street Corn with Tangy Crema

creamy elote - featured image

This creamy elote recipe transforms sweet, smoky grilled corn into a fiesta-worthy side dish with tangy Mexican crema, salty Cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Chili powder or TajΓ­n, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Husk 6 ears of fresh corn and remove all silk. Rinse and pat dry. If using frozen corn on the cob, thaw completely and blot dry.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high (400Β°F), or set your oven broiler to high. If using a grill pan, heat over medium-high until hot (about 5 minutes).
  3. Place corn directly on the grill grates or grill pan. Turn every 2–3 minutes, until all sides are charred and golden (about 8–10 minutes total).
  4. While the corn is still hot, brush each cob lightly with melted butter (optional).
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Using a basting brush or spoon, slather the warm corn cobs with a generous layer of the crema mixture, covering all sides.
  7. On a shallow plate, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese. Roll each coated cob in cheese, pressing gently so it sticks. Sprinkle with chili powder or TajΓ­n to taste.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro (if using) and an extra squeeze of lime. Serve hot, with napkins.

Notes

For less mess, try elote en vaso by cutting kernels off the cob and mixing with toppings. Cotija cheese is traditional, but feta can be substituted. Adjust chili powder for spice level. Prep crema and cheese ahead for easy assembly. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, Mexican street corn, creamy elote, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, summer side dish, barbecue, fiesta, easy Mexican recipes